An ophthalmologist has won a $2.27 million lawsuit against Central Mississippi Medical Center after he claimed the hospital breached a physician recruitment contract in 2004, according to a Clarion Ledger report.
Under the physician contract, Adolfo Morales, MD, would have been allowed to establish a surgery practice in Jackson, Miss. CMMC said the agreement was never consummated because its parent company, Health Management Associates, underwent a change in management. The new officials did not approve Dr. Morales’ deal, which was struck prior to the new management appointments.
In court papers, Dr. Morales said he believed HMA corporate officials breached the contract without legitimate excuse. Dr. Morales’ attorney said HMA officials “refused to abide by contractual terms” and consequentially “brutalized” Dr. Morales’ career.
A CMMC spokesperson said the hospital plans to appeal.
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